World’s Largest Urban Development Forum Concludes with Cairo Call to Action
Cairo, 08 November 2024
The World Urban Forum (WUF), the largest global gathering on sustainable urbanization, concluded its 12th edition today with the adoption of the Cairo Call to Action, a roadmap for cities to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
Over 30,000 participants from 150 countries gathered in Cairo from 5-9 November to discuss critical urban issues and exchange knowledge and best practices. The Forum was organized by UN-Habitat, the United Nations agency for human settlements, and hosted by the Government of Egypt.
The Cairo Call to Action builds on the outcomes of previous WUFs and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. It emphasizes the need for:
- Inclusive and Equitable Cities: Ensuring access to affordable housing, essential services, and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of income or background.
- Resilient and Sustainable Cities: Investing in infrastructure, climate adaptation measures, and green spaces to enhance urban resilience and reduce environmental impacts.
- Innovative and Technology-Driven Cities: Leveraging technology to improve urban planning, governance, service delivery, and citizen engagement.
- Empowered and Collaborative Cities: Fostering partnerships between local governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia to drive urban transformation.
- Locally-Led and Context-Specific Solutions: Recognizing that each city faces unique challenges and requires customized solutions tailored to its specific context.
The Cairo Call to Action also calls for increased investment in urban development, particularly in developing countries, and the establishment of a Global Urban Fund to finance sustainable urban projects.
“The Cairo Call to Action is a powerful roadmap for cities to build a better future for their residents,” said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. “It is a testament to the commitment of our global community to work together for more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities.”
Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Assem El-Gazzar, welcomed the adoption of the Cairo Call to Action and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to urban development. “Cairo stands as a living example of the challenges and opportunities of urban transformation,” he said. “We are proud to host this important forum and to contribute to the global agenda for sustainable urbanization.”
The WUF12 showcased innovative urban solutions from around the world, including urban renewal projects, low-carbon transportation systems, and citizen-led initiatives. Over 500 side events were held during the Forum, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking.
The next WUF will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in 2026.
World’s largest urban development forum concludes with Cairo Call to Action
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